different between namely vs especially

English

Etymology

From Middle English namely, nameliche, namelike, equivalent to name +? -ly. Cognate with Saterland Frisian nämmelk, West Frisian nammentlik, Dutch namelijk, German Low German nämlich, German nämlich, Danish nemlig, Swedish nämligen, Icelandic nefnilega.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?ne?mli/

Adverb

namely (not comparable)

1. Specifically; that is to say.
2. (now rare) Especially, above all.

Usage notes

A synonymous expression is the use of colon—":", as in "There are three ways to do it: the right way, the wrong way […]."

Since this is considered a dependent clause, a comma should follow the expression and either a semicolon or a comma should precede it, depending on the strength of the break in continuity. "Namely" can thus almost be considered a conjunction.

Synonyms

• that is to say, to wit, videlicet, scilicet, viz., sc.; see also Thesaurus:specifically or Thesaurus:in other words

Translations

Anagrams

• Manley, Melany, laymen, meanly, yelman

English

Alternative forms

• esp., esp

Etymology

especial +? -ly

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??sp??(?)li/, /??sp??(?)li/, /??sp??(?)li/
• (nonstandard, proscribed) IPA^(key): /?k?sp??(?)li/

Adverb

especially (comparative more especially, superlative most especially)

1. (manner) In a special manner; specially.
2. (focus) Particularly; to a greater extent than is normal.
3. (focus) Used to place greater emphasis upon someone or something.

   • Captain Edward Carlisle […] felt a curious sensation of helplessness seize upon him as he met her steady gaze, […]; he could not tell what this prisoner might do. He cursed the fate which had assigned such a duty, cursed especially that fate which forced a gallant soldier to meet so superb a woman as this under handicap so hard.

Synonyms

• (special manner):
• (particularly): in particular; see also Thesaurus:specifically
• (emphasis): first and foremost; see also Thesaurus:above all

Related terms

• especial
• special
• specialist
• specialty
• 'specially

Translations

See also

• esp